At least 36 people are being searched for by LA authorities as the wildfire death toll increases to 25.

Sheriff Luna of Los Angeles County states that additional remains may be retrieved from wildfire zones.

At least 36 people are being searched for by LA authorities as the wildfire death toll increases to 25.
At least 36 people are being searched for by LA authorities as the wildfire death toll increases to 25.

Officials on Thursday announced that at least 36 people are still missing and two more deaths have been reported, bringing the total to 25, as fire crews continue to fight the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

During a news conference, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced that search and rescue teams found one of the deceased in the Eaton Fire area and the other in the Palisades Fire area.

Luna stated, "We collaborate with various partners not only in the recovery of remains but also in the identification of the deceased and the notification to the next of kin."

Officials are keeping evacuation orders in place around those sites because Luna predicted that more remains would likely be discovered in those areas.

Aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires
Burned out classic cars sit like ghosts after being destroyed by wildfire in Altadena, California, as seen on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (Derek Shook for Planet Chronicle Digital)

"Luna stated that while examining certain grids, there are spots that we are holding because we suspect there are deceased victims present. However, we must wait for the appropriate time and resources to handle the scene accurately, which may take some time. Kindly exercise patience as we work through this process."

At least 25 people have died in the wildfire, while officials estimate that at least 36 individuals are still missing.

A general view of the burned residential areas as wildfires continue to wreak havoc
Residential areas stricken by wildfire in Los Angeles, California, on Jan. 12, 2025.  (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)

In the county, 12 of the 43 missing persons have been found safe. There are still 31 active missing persons cases, with 24 in the Eaton Fire area and seven in the Palisades.

The Los Angeles Police Chief, Jim McDonnell, stated that there are eight individuals missing in the city's jurisdiction. Out of these, three are believed to have perished, while five are still unaccounted for.

Two of the largest wildfires currently being fought by firefighters are the Eaton and Palisades fires.

Aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires
A helicopter drops water on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Etienne Laurent)

As of Thursday, the Eaton Fire has burned an estimated 14,117 acres and is 55% contained, while the Palisades Fire has consumed approximately 23,713 acres and is 22% contained.

Officials reported that thousands of firefighters have been working tirelessly to control the fires, and have made progress as the strong winds that fueled the flames lessened.

Eaton wildfire in Altadena
Vehicles and a house burn as powerful winds fuel the devastating wildfires in Altadena, California, on Jan. 8, 2025.  (REUTERS/David Swanson)

Officials cautioned about potential future weather dangers, such as strong Santa Ana winds, which may arrive on Monday or Tuesday, despite the temporary relief from favorable weather conditions.

"On the horizon, there are stronger winds approaching," Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley stated. "It is crucial to safeguard yourselves and your loved ones by taking proactive measures, such as planning, preparing, and staying vigilant."

Officials warned that a potential rainstorm later this month could cause mudslides and debris flows in areas affected by wildfires.

by Stephen Sorace

us

Federal corruption charges filed against Oakland mayor.

Federal corruption charges filed against Oakland mayor.

us
Biden DOJ plea deal criticized by MS-13 victim's father.

Biden DOJ plea deal criticized by MS-13 victim's father.

us
A Texas cheerleader who was accused of poisoning her rival's show goat has been barred from caring for her own pets on her own.

A Texas cheerleader who was accused of poisoning her rival's show goat has been barred from caring for her own pets on her own.

us
In Texas, a driver involved in a migrant smuggling operation that resulted in the deaths of 53 individuals has pleaded guilty.

In Texas, a driver involved in a migrant smuggling operation that resulted in the deaths of 53 individuals has pleaded guilty.

us
During rush hour, a city bus narrowly avoids a disaster on an elevated overpass.

During rush hour, a city bus narrowly avoids a disaster on an elevated overpass.

us
Crime-ridden subways in NYC receive turnstile 'spikes' as Hochul increases police presence

Crime-ridden subways in NYC receive turnstile 'spikes' as Hochul increases police presence

us
As the LA wildfires rage, a water systems expert delivers a public message.

As the LA wildfires rage, a water systems expert delivers a public message.

us
A man previously charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, and now accused of a woman's disappearance and murder.

A man previously charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, and now accused of a woman's disappearance and murder.

us
A $2M California home that was saved from wildfires is now destroyed by a landslide.

A $2M California home that was saved from wildfires is now destroyed by a landslide.

us
The Orlando drone show crash was caused by a combination of errors that led to a misaligned flight path, according to the NTSB report.

The Orlando drone show crash was caused by a combination of errors that led to a misaligned flight path, according to the NTSB report.

us
Evacuations and Highway 1 shutdown prompted by fire at Central California power plant.

Evacuations and Highway 1 shutdown prompted by fire at Central California power plant.

us
Another arrest has been made in the Florida bowling alley shooting that left an off-duty ATF agent paralyzed: "Unjustified"

Another arrest has been made in the Florida bowling alley shooting that left an off-duty ATF agent paralyzed: "Unjustified"

us
Former director claims that Massachusetts migrants are using taxpayer-funded shelter beds without proper vetting.

Former director claims that Massachusetts migrants are using taxpayer-funded shelter beds without proper vetting.

us
A survivor of migrant sex trafficking shares her harrowing experience: "I witnessed the deaths of good people."

A survivor of migrant sex trafficking shares her harrowing experience: "I witnessed the deaths of good people."

us
State voter rolls removed from NJ watchdog official after residency dispute.

State voter rolls removed from NJ watchdog official after residency dispute.

us
Author and engineer husband unveiled for dual existence in abusive household

Author and engineer husband unveiled for dual existence in abusive household

us
At least 36 people are being searched for by LA authorities as the wildfire death toll increases to 27.

At least 36 people are being searched for by LA authorities as the wildfire death toll increases to 27.

us